A delegation from Singapore arrived in Jaipur on Wednesday to gain insights into the working of the state government and the policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The delegation first met Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and other cabinet members at the Chief Minister’s office, where they were briefed on the state’s governance and policies.
Following this, the delegation visited the State Office of the BJP, where they were welcomed in traditional Rajasthani style. After familiarising themselves with the BJP’s operations, the delegation toured various locations across the district to further understand the region’s development.
In the evening, Sharma hosted the delegation for dinner at his residence, attended by several ministers, MLAs, and senior officials. The visit facilitated a significant cultural and political exchange between the two regions, promoting a deeper understanding of governance practices and party policies.
During the meeting, Sharma shared his ambitious vision to transform Rajasthan into a $350 billion economy in the next five years, nearly doubling the current $180 billion. He emphasised that, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a Developed India by 2047, the state is also striving for a Developed Rajasthan by 2047, with Singapore potentially playing a key role as a strategic partner in this journey.
Welcoming the Singaporean representatives, Sharma highlighted Rajasthan’s unique culture and heritage, underscoring the state’s tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. He also recogniaed Singapore as a crucial partner in the Prime Minister’s ‘Act East Policy’ and acknowledged the global inspiration drawn from Singapore’s economic model.
The Chief Minister outlined the state’s ongoing efforts in key areas, such as healthcare, water conservation, and industry. He mentioned that 8.26% of the total state budget has been allocated to the health sector to provide accessible services to the people. Additionally, initiatives like Catch the Rain and Mukyamantri Jal Swavalamban 2.0 are promoting water conservation, while a historic MoU for the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) has been signed for drinking water and irrigation in the region. BJP officials also briefed the delegation on the party’s organisational arrangements. Meanwhile, the delegation visited the BJP office to understand the customs and policies of Bharatiya Janata Party as the world’s largest political party. Under the leadership of BJP state president Madan Rathore, and former state president Dr Arun Chaturvedi, MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, BJP officials gave a grand welcome to the delegation in the office by applying Tilak and presenting a bouquet of flowers as per Rajasthani tradition. On this occasion, Rathore informed that the delegation discussed the organisational arrangements of BJP and the system of introducing government schemes to the common people through the organisation.
It was discussed how the public welfare schemes of the government are given a concrete form on the ground and how the party officials along with the work. From the smallest unit of BJP, booth committee to the state level structure, discussions were held with the delegation. Dr Arun Chaturvedi informed that the delegation discussed women’s participation in the BJP. The delegation was told that the Bharatiya Janata Party has taken historic steps towards providing security to women as well as empowering and making them self-reliant. BJP formed a special Mahila Morcha with the aim of increasing women’s participation in politics, while on the other hand, BJP itself ensured 33% women’s participation in the party constitution. Along with this, BJP itself did the historic work of increasing women’s reservation to 50% in Panchayati Raj elections. Not only this, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi also introduced various schemes like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi to make women self-reliant and economically empowered.
A delegation of about 20 people, including Singapore government ministers and ruling party officials, arrived in the capital to learn about the workings of the government and the customs and policies of the BJP. During their visit, discussions focused on the organisational system and how the party reaches out to the public with government schemes.
The delegation included three ministers from Singapore and four members of parliament. It was led by Dr. Jenil Puthuchery, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information, and Minister of State for Health.